Introduction
If you’re a fan of seafood and looking to recreate a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home, this famous Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is the perfect choice. Known for its savory, garlicky flavor balanced with lemon and topped with a touch of Parmesan, this shrimp scampi is both simple and luxurious. The recipe can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main dish, or even as a topping for pasta or rice, making it versatile and suited to any occasion.
Overview of the Recipe
Red Lobster’s Shrimp Scampi has achieved iconic status for its combination of succulent shrimp, rich butter, garlic, and a hint of lemon. In this recipe, large shrimp are seared with garlic and tossed in a lemony sauce, then finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s a quick, easy dish that’s ready in under 20 minutes and perfect for a weeknight treat or special gathering.
History and Origin
Shrimp scampi is an Italian-American adaptation of the Italian dish “scampi.” Originally, “scampi” referred to a type of lobster found in the Adriatic Sea. When Italian immigrants in America couldn’t find the same shellfish, they substituted with shrimp, but the name “scampi” remained. Today, shrimp scampi has become popular in American cuisine, with variations in nearly every seafood restaurant.
Ingredients
To recreate this Red Lobster-style shrimp scampi, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (can substitute with seafood broth for a richer taste)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Butter
- In a large skillet, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and melt over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic.
- Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Add 1 pound of large peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet.
- Season the shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Cook the shrimp for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp as this can make them tough.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
- Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. This will let the flavors meld together and the broth to reduce slightly, thickening the sauce.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Parsley
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the shrimp in the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese melts and integrates into the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley over the dish, stirring to distribute evenly.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the shrimp scampi to a serving dish.
- Garnish with fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra pop of citrus.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade shrimp scampi as a savory appetizer, or pair it with pasta, rice, or a crusty bread for a satisfying main course.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with:
- Pasta: Serve the shrimp and sauce over angel hair or linguine pasta.
- Rice: A bed of jasmine or basmati rice complements the buttery sauce.
- Crusty Bread: Use fresh bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Side Vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a light salad for a balanced meal.
For beverages, a sparkling water with lemon or a non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice is a refreshing option.
Variations of the Recipe
While this recipe is close to the Red Lobster classic, here are a few variations to make it your own:
- Spicy Shrimp Scampi: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Garlic Lovers’ Scampi: Add an extra clove of garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Creamy Shrimp Scampi: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream for a creamy twist.
- Herb-Infused Scampi: Try adding a small amount of fresh thyme or basil for a unique herb flavor.
Health Benefits Notes
Shrimp scampi offers several health benefits:
- High Protein Content: Shrimp is rich in protein, helping to keep you full and support muscle health.
- Low in Calories: Shrimp is a low-calorie option, making it ideal for those monitoring calorie intake.
- Vitamin-Rich: Shrimp is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
- Antioxidants in Garlic and Parsley: Both garlic and parsley have antioxidant properties that promote heart health and may reduce inflammation.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but be cautious when heating as pre-cooked shrimp can become rubbery if overcooked. Simply add them in Step 3 with the sauce to warm through.
2. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp scampi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
3. Can I freeze shrimp scampi?
It’s best to enjoy shrimp scampi fresh. However, if you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat gently in a skillet.
4. Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can substitute with Romano or Pecorino cheese for a similar flavor.
5. What other herbs can I add?
Fresh basil, thyme, or chives add a delightful twist to the traditional scampi.
Conclusion
This homemade Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe is a fantastic way to bring a taste of restaurant-quality seafood into your kitchen. With simple ingredients like garlic, butter, lemon, and Parmesan, this dish is easy to prepare and full of savory flavor. Pair it with pasta, rice, or fresh bread, and enjoy an impressive meal with family and friends. This dish is sure to become a go-to favorite for seafood lovers seeking a quick yet indulgent dining experience at home.
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Classic Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi Recipe
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Red Lobster Shrimp Scampi recipe brings the restaurant’s famous garlicky, buttery shrimp dish to your kitchen. Perfectly cooked shrimp, a light lemon-butter sauce, and Parmesan make this dish a savory, satisfying meal. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s a simple, elegant option for dinner or a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Garlic: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Shrimp: Place shrimp in the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, letting the mixture simmer 2-3 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Parsley: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with lemon wedges, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
For added flavor, substitute chicken broth with seafood broth or add extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Serve over pasta or rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g